Longest-running aeroplane racing tournament

The National Championship Air Races (also known as the Reno Air Races) have been held annually at Stead Airport in Reno, Nevada, USA, since 1964. The only years the event was cancelled were 2001, due to the flight ban put in place after the September 11 terrorist attacks, and 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Air Races were organized by World War II veteran pilot Bill Stead, who was inspired by the Cleveland National Air Races of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. The event sees various single-seat aircraft race at high speed and low altitude around an 8 mile (12.8 km) oval course marked out by pylons.

There are several classes, including races for modern aerobatics planes and small jets, but the most prestigious event is the "unlimited" class. The planes that compete in this class are almost all heavily modified World War II fighter aircraft, similar to the military surplus airframes that Bill Stead and his contemporaries raced in 1964. Common types include the P-51 Mustang, the F-8F Bearcat and the Hawker Sea Fury.

The 2023 edition of the race (the 56th event) was the last to be held at Stead Airport. Increased residential development in the area coupled with increased demands on the airport's facilities, have forced the event to seek a new home.